Earlier this month, Paul Pogba was finally eligible to return to first-team training following the conclusion of his doping ban. However for the time being, the former Manchester United midfielder, who will be able to return to competitive action in March, remains a free agent after leaving Juventus.

Pogba was suspended by Italy's national anti-doping tribunal (Nado) in February 2024 after a random drug test found increased levels of testosterone in his system. The France international appealed the ruling to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, who reduced the sanction from four years to 18 months, starting from September 2023.

He was expected to return to Juventus following his ban, having had a contract that kept him in Turin until June 2026. However, the two parties agreed to mutually terminate the deal, making him a free agent.

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Despite having been out of action for so long, the 31-year-old midfielder has been linked with moves to some big clubs. So, with that being said, journalists at the Manchester Evening News have had their say on Pogba and his future.

Jake Stokes

It would be brilliant to see Paul Pogba return to Europe, but I can only see him going to either the MLS or the Saudi Pro League – and I don't blame him either! I'd love to the Frenchman agree a deal with David Beckham and link up with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami!

It would be just as cool to see Pogba reunite with either Karim Benzema at Al-Ittihad or Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr. But, with Neymar set to leave the Middle East this month, I wouldn't be surprised if Al-Hilal try to sign the former United midfielder as their next marquee signing.

If Pogba doesn't fancy either of the above, he could always go to Santos on a short-term deal to play with Neymar and build his fitness before returning to Europe for pre-season. Wow. He only turns 32 in March, so perhaps a return to United might not be off the cards after all...

Tom Coley

Pogba needs to go somewhere he can enjoy his football. Lets be honest, that just isn't Manchester United.

He would be hounded out in the pressure cooker and under the expectations and demands. He can't live up to the hype anymore, even if a truly freed up and unleashed Pogba might be a bit of fun.

Where Pogba should really go is somewhere he can express himself. Back to France with Marseille perhaps, or into the MLS. That is such an ideal move, under the watchful glamour of America and with readymade highlights on his feet, Pogba could dazzle.

Going to the Middle East also seems feasible but it would be disappointing. Pogba is too good for that. Just get him back on screens and get him smiling.

Isaac Seelochan

Signing Pogba for a third time would be a disastrous decision from United on so many levels. Now aged 31 and past his prime, there would be serious doubts over his ability to compete at the highest level.

His Galactico status is something United should be looking to avoid in the new Ineos era, after going down that damaging route under the previous regime and Ed Woodward. 'Pogback', along with several other big-money deals, has arguably helped to put the Reds in their current PSR position of needing to sell to buy.

For Pogba, a move to America may suit him if he can put up with the travelling. There is no doubt that his natural ability and superstar status would be an asset to most MLS teams as the game continues to grow stateside.

Matty Hewitt

A return to Manchester United? Not for a third time. That ship has well and truly sailed.

Having missed a large chunk of his career through injury and his recent ban from football, the best thing for Pogba and his career would be a return to France in my opinion. Ligue 1 club Marseille have been linked with his signature in recent weeks and to me, it's a move that makes sense.

If he's serious about returning to the French national side, then he needs to be playing at the highest level possible. I don't think recently-linked Arsenal or another club in the Premier League would enter negotiations given his wages at previous clubs, but if there is movement and an acceptance to agree a lower wage then it remains a possibility.

The MLS is another feasible option given links to David Beckham's Inter Miami in recent months, with the Frenchman spending a lot of time there in recent months. A move there wouldn't necessarily see him force his way back into the French set-up given the standard of the league, but the glitz and glamour of the competition is right up his street.

It seems the most likely destination for the World Cup winner, but like I say, I'd like to see him prove doubters wrong with a move to Ligue 1 and help the French side compete at the top end of the division.

Jack Flintham

As rude as it is to say it, nobody wants chapter three of Paul Pogba at United. The fans don't want it, the club doesn't want it and you imagine neither does the player.

So with that killed off in its tracks, the topic of where he does go is intriguing. Pogba still holds lingering ambitions of playing for his country again so he needs to move to Europe - MLS, Saudi Arabia or anywhere else won't cut the mustard.

If I was Pogba, I'd probably be leaning towards a move to Marseille if it is on the table. They are firmly in the race for the Champions League, he would remain in his home country and there are already familiar faces in the squad to help him settle.

Playing for Marseille should keep him in the minds of the French selectors and should be an exciting opportunity especially if he can play well and earn himself a new deal for next season when the club look set to be back in the Champions League.